Dozens of public schools would be able to throw out federal education policy regulating academic standards, teacher evaluation requirements and student tracking systems under a measure approved by the Arizona House on Thursday.

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the scene of the horrific shooting that wounded her and killed six people two years ago, urging senators Wednesday to pass background checks for gun purchases in her first public event at the site since the rampage.

One Arizona lawmaker wants to shut down dispensaries that use unclear labels for its food products. Another bill would allow colleges and universities to conduct medical marijuana research. A third would allow county zoning ordinances to apply to marijuana cultivation.

As national leaders rev up the debate on border security and immigration reform, Arizona Democrats are fighting a losing battle in the Legislature to reopen the discussion on how this border state treats illegal immigrants.